Dumaguete City: The Commission on Elections (Comelec) announced that the final testing and sealing (FTS) of automated counting machines (ACMs) in Negros Oriental for the upcoming May 12 elections were conducted smoothly on Tuesday.

According to Philippines News Agency, Comelec-Negros Island Region (NIR) director Lionel Marco Castillano reported that aside from minor issues, no significant problems were encountered during the simultaneous activities conducted across the province. Castillano expressed gratitude for the minimal issues, which were promptly resolved due to the availability of contingency units.

In Dumaguete City, two ACMs encountered issues with the printing of the taped receipt meant for voters. City election officer Ian Macaraya stated that the problematic units were quickly replaced with contingency ACMs, which functioned correctly and will be used for the affected clustered precincts in Barangays Looc and Bu±ao. The faulty units are scheduled for repair and will be stored at the official hub in the city.

Additionally, in Mabinay town, a defective USB was reported. The Comelec provincial office responded by deploying a technical team to rectify the issue promptly.

Castillano further explained that following the FTS, the ACMs would be returned to their respective Comelec offices in various towns and cities. They are scheduled for deployment on election day or earlier in remote areas to ensure smooth operations.

A total of 1,289 ACMs are set to be utilized during Monday's elections, matching the number of clustered voting precincts across the province.